Scaffold bracket



Nov. 24, 1964 c. w. ALMGREN SCAFFOLD BRACKET Filed Aug. 8, 1962ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,l53,225 SCAFFLD BRACKET Carl W.Alrngren, 6167 N. Moody, Chicago, Ill. Filed Ang. 8, 1962, Ser. No.2155i@ 3 Slams. (Cl. Isl-87) The present invention relates to thesupport of seaffolding from concrete wall forms. The scaffolding supportof this invention is rugged, easily constructed and quickly dismantledand can be used repeatedly.

The concrete wall forms concerned in this invention are of the typewherein the opposed for-m walls include rectangular panels assembled inedge-to-edge relationship with the wet concrete being poured into thespace defined by the walls. The panels commonly employed consist ofplywood against which the wet concrete lies, and a strengthening andrigldifying framework is applied to the outer surface of the panels tomaintain proper alignment of the wall form as the wet concrete is beingpoured and during -its drying process. This rigidifying frameworkusually consists of vertical members applied both at the margins of thepanels and at intermediate distances between the edges of the panels.Where walls are of considerable length it is customary to furtherreinforce the wall forms with heavy stiffening members or walers whichare horizontally disposed in a transverse relationship to and bearagainst the outer surface of the vertical members. Usually the two wallsare tied or connected together with tie rods to maintain a properdistance between the inner plywood faces of the two wall forms. Thesetie rods generally are adapted with a head or enlargement at each endand 'nave washers or spacers disposed a distance from the ends withbosses protruding from the tie rods to prevent distal movement of thewashers.

The present invention has particular reference to concrete wall formswhich embody either or both the walers and the tie rods.

One object of this invention is to provide a new and novel means tosupport a scalfold structure on the outside surface of form walls, onwhich men and material may easily traverse the length of the form wallsat various levels of height `and on which materials may rest or besuspended.

Another object of this invention is to provide a scalfold bracket whichis simple to use and is easily mounted and dismantled.

Another object of this invention is to provide a scaffold bracket whichcan be secured to the form walls by attaching to components generallyused in concrete form wall construction.

Another object of this invention is to provide a scaffold bracket whichcan be secured to the form wall by simple engagement with horizontalstifening members or Walers on the outside surface of the wall.

Another object of this invention is to provide a scaffold bracket whichcan be secured to the form wall by simply engagement with tie rodsextending from the outer surface ofthe wall.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a scaold bracketwhich is simple in construction, has no moving parts and which isconvenient to store when not in use.

These and other objects of the invention will appear from time to timeyas the following specification proceeds rand with reference being madeto the accompanying singlel page of drawings wherein:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of the scaffold bracket;

FIGURE 2 is a rear view of the scaifold bracket showing the slots on theback side of the U-ilanges;

FIGURE 3 is a side view of a scaffold bracket showing U-flangesextending over and supported by a pair of walers, and a scaltoldstructure formed on the scaffold bracket; and

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary side view of a scaffold showing the U-ilangesof the scaffold bracket suspended from tie rods which protrude throughthe form wall, the tie rods being inserted into the slots in thebackside of the U-anges.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG- URES l and 2, Ihave shown a scalfold bracket 1 having a vertical member 2 which ispreferably made from rigid channel iron. A U-flange 3 `is shownextending from the back or ilat side of the vertical member 2 and weldedor otherwise secured thereto. The U-ilange S'is shown in an inverted Uposition in relation to the vertical member 2 and forms a hook memberfor extending over a waler. In the illustrated form of the invention thespace between the inner surface of the inner side 4 and the innersurface of the outer side 5 of the U-ilange 3 is slightly larger thanthe smaller dimension of a standard wooden 2" x 4, although it isunderstood that this distance could be made greater or smaller toaccommodate engagement with walers of a different thickness. The heightof the inner and outer sides as shown is approximately two-thirds thelarger dimension of a standard wooden 2 x 4, although this dimensioncould also be modified within the scope of this invention.

In its preferable form, U-ilange 3 is of unitary construction and madefrom rigid channel iron or other suitable material. A slot 6 is forrndin the outer side 5 of the U- ilange 3. Preferably, this slot is widerin its horizontal dimension than the shank of a tie rod but is less thanthe head or enlargement at the end of a tie rod. The depth of the slotin its preferable form would be more than half the vertical dimension ofthe U-flange 3 and preferably terminating below the topside 19 of theU-flange, as shown. A multiplicity of nail holes 7 are formed in thetopside S of the U-ange 3. In the form illustrated I have shown two nailholes positioned marginally on either side of the topside of theU-ilange. Being positioned thusly, nails can be driven through the holeswithe out interference between the vertical member 2 and the I-Io-wever,

l other suitable material can be used. Bolt holes 13 and 14 as shownform holes through each of the two angle flanges. These bolt holes areconcentric, having a common axis extending transverse t0 the angleflanges and positioned approximately in the center of the angle flanges,thereby permitting the insertion of a bolt (not shown) through thealigned bore holes without interference.

A second U-lange I5 is connected by a weld or otherV rigid means totheupper extremity of the vertical mernber 2 and forms a second hook memberfor extending over a waler. This U-tlange is of the same unitaryconstruction and has the same configuration as U-ange 3, being embodiedwith a slot 16 in the outer side 17 and nail holes 13 in the topside 19of the U-ilange. The Slot and nail holes are sized and positioned in thesame relation to U-llange l5' as the slot 6 and nail holes 7 bear t0 theU-flange 3.

A brace holder 2t) is shown at the upper end 21 of Vthe sides 22 and 23of the brace holder extend in a horizontal plane from the outer edges ofthe parallel sides ll and l2 of the vertical member 2 and the outer sidei7 of the U-llange l5, and the overall width of the brace holder isequal to the width of the vertical member.

Bolt holes 24 and 25 are shown in the outer sides 23 and 24 of theLJ-:ilangeL ILS. Each of the two bolt holes in the outer sides 23 and 24of the U-llange l5' are concentrically disposed and in registry with acorresponding bolt hole in the opposite outer side, thereby permittingthe insertion of a bolt (not shown) through the matching aligned boltholes without interference.

Referring to FIGURE 3, a fragmentary cross-section of a conventionalwall form is shown, wherein plywood paneling 25 comprises the surfaceor" the wall against which the wet concrete makes contact. A verticalstud 27 is secured to the outer surface of the plywood paneling toreinforce and rigidify the paneling. ln the usual construction of aconcrete wall form such vertical studs are placed around the entirecircumference of the wall at predetermined intervals. Normally thevertical studding used is standard wooden 2 X 4". To further strengthenthe wall form and preclude bending and bulging underv the weight of thewet concrete, walers 28 are horizontally disposed transverse to and inabutting engagement with the vertical studding. Usually, walers arespaced at predetermined intervals from the bottom to the top of the Wallform, and generally take the form of a single standard wooden 2 x 4 ortwo 2" X 4 separated by a spacer block (not shown). To prevent the twoopposed walls of a concrete wall form from separating from each otherbeyond their intended distance when the concrete is poured, tie rods 29are generally employed which extend through the plywood paneling and areoften rigidly fastened by a clamp (not shown) or other device to thewalers of each ol' the two opposed wall forms. Washers 3b are usuallyplaced on the Shanks of the tie rods and distally retained on the shanksby a small boss (not shown) on the shank. Tie rods are generally formedwith an enlargement or head 31 at both ends of the tie rod shank.

In the illustrated form of my invention shown in FlG- URE 3, a scaioldbracket l is rigidly suspended along the outside of the form wall byengagement with walers 28. In suspending the scaifold bracket in thismanner the U-anges 3 and 15 are slipped down over the walers 2S wherebythe top of the walers are in abutting engagement with the top side ofthe U-llanges. An angle brace 32 is disposed between the angle langes 9.This angle brace, in its preferred form, is a standard wooden 2" x 4'land has a bolt hole (not shown) concentrically aligned and in registrywith the bolt holes 13 and 14 of the angle flanges. A bolt 33 is showninserted in the bore defined by the bore holes of the angle flanges andangle brace. A threaded nut (not shown) is secured to the opposite endof the bolt 33 thereby forming a fixed connection between the anglebrace and the angle llanges. A iat brace 34 is disposed in the spacedelined by the two outer sides 22 and 23 of the brace holder 20. In itspreferable form, this llat brace is a standard Wooden 2" X 6 having twobore holes arranged concentrically with the bolt holes 24 and 2S of thebrace holder 2li. Bolts 35 are shown inserted in the bore defined by thebore holes of the brace holder and the liat brace. Threaded nuts (notshown) are secured to the opposite ends of the bolts 35 thereby forminga iixed connection between the brace holder 2u and the hat brace 34. Oneside of the outer end of the flat brace 34 overlaps and is in engagementwith one side of the upper end of the angle brace 32. In this form ofthe invention nails 36 are used to rixedly connect the adjacent portionsor" the angle brace and llat race. However, these two braces could beconnected with a bolt or other suitable means. As illustrated in FIGURE1, nail holes 7 and 1S are formed in the top sides 8 and i9 of theU-anges 3 and l5. When the invention is shown as used in FIGURE 4, nailsmay be driven through the nail holes into the walers 2S therebyproviding a positive means of preventing movement of the scaffoldbracket along the waler.

lm FlGURE 4 a second form of my invention is shown wherein the scaffoldbracket l is rigidly suspended along the outside of the form wall byengagement with the tie rods 29. In suspending the scaffold bracket inthis manner the slots o and 16 of the U-flanges 3 and 15 are slippeddown over the tie rods 29 behind the tie rod heads 3l. The scaloldbracket is moved vertically downwardly until the shank of the tie rod isin abutting engagement with the top of the slots in the U-llanges.

Scaiiold planks 37 are shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 resting on top of thetlat brace 34. These planks are laid horizontally and, depending on thelength of the plank, rest on two or more at braces. Preferably, a numberof wooden angle braces 32 and llat braces 34 would be cut to size andproperly drilled for bolt holes.

Although FIGURES l and 2 disclose my invention comprising verticalmember 2 as an integral part thereof, it is apparent that the majorportion of vertical member 2 could readily consist of a wooden 2" X 4"or the like (not shown). In this form of my invention the verticalmember 2 as illustrated would be horizontally severed at the bottom ofthe upper U-llange 1S and at the top of the lower U -tlange 3, therebyproviding two separate llJ-tlange assemblies which could be verticallyaligned and connected by means of a 2 X 4". This form of my inventionwould be preferable where the vertical distance between walers ortie-rods varies and it would not be practical tov permanently lix thevertical distance between U-flanges.

It is to be noted from the foregoing that a rugged, easily constructedand quickly dismantled form wall scaffold has been provided and that thesimple, easy construction has been attained by the use of the particularscaffold bracket comprising the present invention. By using the samepre-cut and drilled braces over and over again, a scaffold can beconstructed repeatedly with a minimum of time and expenditure.

While I have herein shown and described one form in which my inventionmay be embodied, it may readily be understood that various modificationsand variations in the invention may be attained without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the novel concepts thereof as deiiued by theclaims appended hereto.

I claim as my invention:

l. A scaffold support structure for use with a concrete Wall form havinga panel, a plurality of spaced vertical studs secured to and rigidifyingsaid panel, and a plurality of spaced horizontal tie rods having anenlargement or head at each end thereof and extending through saidpanels which comprises,

a vertical member,

a brace holder member secured to the upper end of said vertical member,Y

a horizontal brace member,

means to xedly connect said horizontal brace member to said brace holdermember,

an angle brace connected to the lower end of said vertical member andconnected at its upper end to said horizontal brace member,

and upper and lower U-flanges secured at the upper and lower ends ofsaid vertical member each positioned to form a hook for seating over awaler and each having an upper horizontal plate portion for resting onthe top of the Waler and a vertical outer plate portion fo hookingbehind the waler, Y said outer plate portions having vertical slotsextending upwardly Vfrom the lower edge thereof with the upper end ofthe slot having a downwardly facing surface for engaging on the rod so'that said slot slides over a headed tie rod with the tie rod headengaging the inner surface of the vertical plate portion at the sides ofthe slot. 2. A scaiold bracket in accordance with claim 1 including aplurality of horizontally diposed scaiold planks i resting movably onthe upper surface of said horizontal brace member and wherein thevertical slots terminate below said horizontal plate portion so that thetie rod head engages the inner surface of the vertical plate portionabove the slot.

3. A scaffold bracket adapted for application to a concrete Wall formhaving a panel wall, vertical studs attached to and rigidifying thepanel wall, a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal walers attached tothe studs, and tie rods extending through the panel wall, said scaffoldbracket comprising,

a vertical member,

a brace holder attached to the top end of the vertical member and havinga pair of spaced parallel outer faces extending vertically upwardly toreceive therebetween one end of a horizontal brace member,

a plurality of aligned bolt holes formed in the outer faces of the braceholder for receiving respectively a bolt for securing the horizontalbrace member to the brace holder,

a pair of parallel spaced angle ilanges secured to the lower end of thevertical member on one side thereof for receiving one end of an anglebrace therebetween,

bolt holes formed in said angle flanges and in alignment with each otherfor receiving a bolt to secure the angle brace to the angle flanges,

a pair of vertically aligned U-flanges attached respectively to a sideopposite said one side of the vertical member at each end thereof andopening downwardly to extend respectively over a pair of walers,

said U-anges having downwardly facing planar surfaces for simultaneouslyengaging the upper sides of a pair of walers to jointly bear thevertical load of the bracket, and

an elongated vertical slot formed respectively in each of the U-flangeson the side thereof opposite the vertical member and opening to thebottom of the anges,

said slots being arranged in vertical alignment and having upper edgesfor simultaneously engaging the Shanks of a pair of tie rods to jointlybear the vertical load of the bracket.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS567,755 Stillman Sept. 15, 1896 910,591 Shue Jan. 26, 1909 926,013Murdoch June 22, 1909 2,295,995 Lamb Sept. 15, 1942 2,573,086 YoshimotoOct. 30, 1951

1. A SCAFFOLD SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR USE WITH A CONCRETE WALL FORM HAVINGA PANEL, A PLURALITY OF SPACED VERTICAL STUDS SECURED TO AND RIGIDIFYINGSAID PANEL, AND A PLURALITY OF SPACED HORIZONTAL TIE RODS HAVING ANENLARGEMENT OR HEAD AT EACH END THEREOF AND EXTENDING THROUGH SAIDPANELS WHICH COMPRISES, A VERTICAL MEMBER, A BRACE HOLDER MEMBER SECUREDTO THE UPPER END OF SAID VERTICAL MEMBER, A HORIZONTAL BRACE MEMBER,MEANS TO FIXEDLY CONNECT SAID HORIZONTAL BRACE MEMBER TO SAID BRACEHOLDER MEMBER, AN ANGLE BRACE CONNECTED TO THE LOWER END OF SAIDVERTICAL MEMBER AND CONNECTED AT ITS UPPER END TO SAID HORIZONTAL BRACEMEMBER, AND UPPER AND LOWER U-FLANGES SECURED AT THE UPPER AND LOWERENDS OF SAID VERTICAL MEMBER EACH POSITIONED TO FORM A HOOK FOR SEATINGOVER A WALER AND EACH HAVING AN UPPER HORIZONTAL PLATE PORTION FORRESTING ON THE TOP OF THE WALER AND A VERTICAL OUTER PLATE PORTION FORHOOKING BEHIND THE WALER, SAID OUTER PLATE PORTIONS HAVING VERTICALSLOTS EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM THE LOWER EDGE THEREOF WITH THE UPPER ENDOF THE SLOT HAVING A DOWNWARDLY FACING SURFACE FOR ENGAGING ON THE RODSO THAT SAID SLOT SLIDES OVER A HEADED TIE ROD WITH THE TIE ROD HEADENGAGING THE INNER SURFACE OF THE VERTICAL PLATE PORTION AT THE SIDES OFTHE SLOT.